Venezuela

Venezuela is a country located on the northern coast of South America.

It consists of a continental landmass and various islands in the Caribbean Sea. The territory is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. To the west, it shares a border with Colombia. Brazil sits to the south, while Guyana is located to the east. Trinidad and Tobago lies to the northeast. The nation is divided into 23 states, a Capital District, and various federal dependencies.

Its capital and largest urban center is Caracas.

The name "Venezuela" has interesting possible origins. One popular explanation involves an expedition led by Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. The crew saw stilt houses near Lake Maracaibo. These houses reminded the Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci of Venice, Italy. He may have called the region "Veneziola," meaning "Little Venice." Another account from Martín Fernández de Enciso suggests a different source. He stated that indigenous peoples called themselves the "Veneciuela." Thus, the modern name may have evolved from a native word.

Human habitation in the region dates back approximately 15,000 years. Archaeological evidence includes tools found on riverine terraces of the Rio Pedregal. Hunting artifacts from the Late Pleistocene period date from 13,000 to 7,000 BC. Before the Spanish conquest, an estimated one million people lived in the area. Diverse groups included the Kalina, Auaké, Caquetio, Mariche, and Timoto–Cuicas. The Timoto–Cuica culture was particularly complex. They lived in permanent villages with stone and wood houses. They used irrigation for terraced fields to grow crops like potatoes and ullucos. They are also credited with inventing the arepa, a staple food.

Spanish colonization began in 1522 with the settlement of Cumaná. During the 16th century, the Spanish King granted a concession to the German Welser family. This period of German rule lasted from 1528 to 1546. The Welsers were bankers who sought the mythical golden city of El Dorado. They brought German miners and 4,000 African slaves to work sugar cane plantations. However, many colonists died from tropical diseases or conflicts with indigenous groups. Eventually, the Spanish Crown revoked the Welser concession and resumed direct control.

Venezuela fought for independence from Spain during the early 19th century. Francisco de Miranda helped declare the First Republic in 1811. This sparked the Venezuelan War of Independence. Simón Bolívar, known as "El Libertador," became a central leader. He launched the Admirable Campaign in 1813 to retake territory. After various stages of conflict, victory was secured at the Battle of Carabobo in 1821.

Venezuela was initially part of Gran Colombia. It became a fully sovereign country in 1830.

The nation's economy has shifted significantly over time. Originally, Venezuela was an exporter of agricultural goods like coffee and cocoa. Today, it is defined by its massive energy resources. Venezuela holds the world's largest known oil reserves. It has been a leading global exporter of oil for many years. However, the country has faced severe economic challenges. It struggles with hyperinflation, unemployment, and shortages of basic goods. These economic shocks led to major political crises and social unrest.

Political instability has shaped modern Venezuelan history. Following a period of democratic rule starting in 1958, the country faced crises in the 1980s and 1990s. The 1998 election of Hugo Chávez served as a catalyst for the Bolivarian Revolution.

Under the Chávez and Maduro administrations, the country has experienced democratic backsliding. This has resulted in an authoritarian state with low rankings in press freedom and civil liberties.

Widespread protests and disputed elections have triggered a national crisis.

The ongoing crisis has had a profound human impact. More than 7.9 million people have fled the country, creating a large refugee crisis. The nation faces high child mortality, malnutrition, and disease.

In January 2026, the United States captured President Nicolás Maduro. Following this, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president. Despite these hardships, the geography remains diverse. The land features snowy peaks, such as Bolívar Peak, and vast tropical regions like the llanos.